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MALAYSIA: Stricter Enforcement of 12-Month Limit for Professional Visit Pass
January 10, 2019
Effective 15 January 2019, the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department of Malaysia has reminded companies of the existing rule that the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is intended for short-term work activities, and can only be issued for a maximum of twelve months, with no renewals.
Employers seeking to keep the services of assignees after twelve months on a PVP are advised to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) thereafter, rather than a new PVP.
Background
The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is for assignees to Malaysia for up to twelve months (renewable up to the maximum), remaining on home-country payroll and contract. Family members cannot obtain dependent status.
The Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign nationals on Malaysian contract and payroll.
- For EP I, a minimum basic monthly salary of RM 10,000 is required, for an initial duration of stay of up to five years, with unlimited renewals.
- For EP II, a minimum basic monthly salary of RM 5000 is required for an initial duration of stay of two years, with unlimited renewals.
- EP III allows a lower basic minimum monthly salary of RM 3000, with an initial validity of 12 months (renewable twice) and family members cannot obtain dependent status.
Our Advice
Employers seeking to keep the services of assignees after twelve months on a PVP are advised to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) thereafter, rather than a new PVP.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Malaysia, please email us at [email protected]
